Emanuela Harris Sintamarian (call me "Ema")

large drawing on gouache with abstract shapes

artwork by Emanuela Harris Sintamarian, 2023 Deconstructed Landscape, gouache on paper 70" x 127"

Welcome to Fall 2023

Hello wonderful people!

My name is Ema and I am an instructor at CCSF and SJCC. I teach classes on drawing , painting , 2_D and every so often, Art History. I love teaching and interacting with students. I do not believe on academic hierarchies, that is why I think of my students as my collaborators.

I have observed that many students tend to compartmentalize information, rather than make integrative associations. I want them to more effectively harness what they already know and meld their previous learning with the topic at hand, rather than just dispensing my own views on art. True learning requires a synthesis of new information into one’s broader experience as a basis for creating a new contextual understanding. I believe that my role as an instructor is to help students to “light their own candles," rather than just "fill their buckets.”.

I tend more towards the Socratic method of asking questions rather than only making pronouncements. I strive to create an environment where they can make connections between ideas, people and events. I help them break through the limitations of how things ‘should’ look or be like, guided by the mantra of “What if?”. Sometimes the simplest questions can pose the most complex inquiries with the best visual results. I encourage students to bring their personal perspectives into the studio and share their opinions without fear of repercussions. I push them to develop their natural abilities, but also occasionally, to abandon a comfortable technique, subject and /or idea which may have become an easy and familiar ‘crutch.

I am also an artist. Although my main medium is drawing , I work on painting, printmaking, some video work and installation. Feel free to check out my personal website

I am looking forward to meeting and working with you!

Instructor Information

Instructor: Emanuela Harris Sintamarian

Department: Art

Contact: Although the easier way to contact me is through the Canvas Inbox, you may also contact me at CCSF Email

Response Time: I'll respond to your messages within 48 hours.

Office Hours:Friday/ 10.00AM-11.00AM via Zoom

Please, message me via Canvas Inbox 48 hours before scheduling a meeting.
In order to to maximize our time, before we have the zoom meeting:

If you need help with a project. Please read the assignment before the meeting.
If you missed class(-es): Please read and watch all demos and info from the assignment(s) before the meeting
If you need help on a project: please, take a good photo of it, save it to your desktop, and be ready to share it on zoom.